Saab Seaeye and TMT Develop Lighter Electric Torque Tool for ROVs

Saab Seaeye, the specialist in electric underwater e-robotic systems, and Australia-based Total Marine Technology (TMT) have launched a new lightweight electric torque tool.

The tool can operate across the Saab Seaeye range of e-robotic vehicles.

According to Saab Seaeye, no smaller electric class 1-4 torque tool exists on the market and with a single-handed weight of just 24 kilos, it is around half the weight of a typical hydraulic torque tool.

“A major benefit for subsea operators is the tool’s ability to adapt automatically to Class 1 to 4 fittings and torques whilst performing the integrity-critical task of opening and closing seabed valves and other torque tensioning tasks,” Seaeye explains.

In addition to opening and closing valves the tool can be used in a wide range of tasks including installation and recovery of control leads and hoses, and closing and tensioning of connectors and bolts.

As the TMT tool is half the weight it can be fitted to a smaller robotic work vehicle such as the Saab Seaeye Leopard – and can even be underslung to operate from an even smaller robotic system such as the Tiger.

Both Saab Seaeye and TMT said they see their collaboration as the start of a jointly beneficial relationship, with Saab Seaeye marketing the tool exclusively in the Northern Hemisphere and TMT in the Southern Hemisphere.